Control method and apparatus



Aug. 17, 1965 E. w. YETTER CONTROL METHOD AND APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 8, 1961 INVENTOR.

EDWARD WV YETTER ATTORNEY muawz ma O...

Aug. 17, 1965 E. W. YETTER CONTROL METHOD AND APPARATUS Filed May 8, 1961 SELECT ION GATES POINT ZONE A POINT SELECT COUNTER XXXXXXXI ZONE B POINT SELECT COUNTER 27 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 ZONE s550105.;

GATES INVENTOR. EDWARD W. YETT ER Ww-Wwf ATTORNEY Aug. 17, 1965 E. w. YETTER CONTROL METHOD AND APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 8, 1961 ATTOF? N EY Aug. 17, 1965 E. w. YETTER CONTROL METHOD AND APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed May 8, 1961 ATTORNEY Aug. 17, 1965 E. w. YETTI-:R 3,201,572

CONTROL METHOD AND APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May 8, 1961 Cw j WINDING IIB GATE POWER DURCE 115 CCW PO ER (ccw) :/WIQ'DING Il?, wINDING F IG.5

SINUSOIDAL INPUT IFREQ f) MMA.

/4 /8 me VELOCITY GATE sIGNALs (To MATRIx 32a) T ,/*30 GATE SIGNAL IBI F d man@ POWER Y GATE SIGNAL l?? GATED POWER f GATE I SIGNAL /134 JNVENToR.

|35 EDWARD w.YETTER GATED BY 93H5 @M137 RowER ATTORNEY United 'tates This invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for control, and particularly to a method and apparatus simulating continuous control but employing repetitive sampling and functioning by the choice of one of a number of predetermined velocity pattern corrective actions adapted closest to obtain the desired control response within a preselected time interval.

industrial processes are steadily increasing in complexity and therefore require more and more automatic control for their conduct. Resort has been had to computers as a control agency; however, efiectuation of control responsive to the computer has been expensive to achieve since, when this control is accomplished by bringing a control element to a predetermined setting, position resolution of a precision of 1:1090 requires storage of at least l() bits of information per valve. ln addition, conventional control requires associated servo positioning equipment of at least 1: 10G() precision. This aggregates to a very high cost of apparatus for every process point under control.

An object of this invention is to provide a control method and apparatus which requires much less information storage for the achievement of its obiective than conventional controls and, in addition, dispenses entirely with position servos.

Another object of this invention is to provide a computer control method and apparatus adapted to service a large number of process points with an ethcacy approaching continuous control. Still another obiect of this invention is to provide a computer control method and apparatus employing data sampling for each of a succession of process points in sequence followed by computation and eifectuation of the particular corrective action required. Yet another object of this invention is to provide a control method and apparatus which operates by choice of one of a number of predetermined velocity pattern corrective actions adapted closest to obtain a desiret! control response within a preselected time interval. Other objects of this invention are to provide a control method and apparatus of improved simplicity in operation, economy in first cost and maintenance of equipment, and of high reliability. The manner in which these and other objects of this invention are attained will become clear from the detailed description and. the drawings, in which:

PIG. l is a Schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of complete apparatus according to this invention, wherein the controlled mechanisms are valves, with inter-relationships indicated by connecting lines,

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the scan programmer section of the apparatus of FIG. l,

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the computer section of the apparatus of FIG. l,

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the valve drive logic section of the apparatus of FlG. l, details beyond the valve selection matrix being limited to apparatus for only a single valve,

HG. 5 is a schematic representation of a magnetic amplier switch for the condition control motor of the apparatus of FIG. l,

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the gating frequency generator for the apparatus of FIG. l, and

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of gating sig- 3,Z.l,572 Patented Aug. 17, 1%65 nal in relationship to gated power of the apparatus of FIG. l.

Generally, this invention consists of a method of control of a condition comprising in sequence obtaining a signal upon which control is based, sampling repetitively the signal, computing a corrective action based on the signal adapted to alter the condition to a predetermined value, choosing one of a plurality of predetermined velocity pattern corrective actions responsive to the cornputation adapted closest to obtain the desired control response within the time interval existing between succesive sampling operations, and effecting alteration in the condition responsive to the chosen one of the plurality of predetermined velocity pattern corrective actions, together with apparatus for carrying out such method.

For purposes of detailed explanation, a typical chemical process valving control is hereinafter described wherein each of a multiplicity of control loops has its own valve, and control is effected by driving each valve in an opening or closing direction at a preselected one of a plurality of constant velocities, i.e., predetermined velocity patterns, to bring the controlled condition at each loop into the desired control response. A binary number system is employed as the code for information handling because of certain advantages hereinafter brought out.

FIGURE 1 shows schematically the general assembly of apparatus, wherein the flow of information is indicated by connecting lines provided with arrow heads in the direction of information transmission.

System timing is provided by a system clock 10, typically providing a constant time interval of 6.661-20% millisecs to the scan programmer l, which effects the'systern identity co-ordination for each individual control loop in turn as indicated by the three information flow lines radiating therefrom.

Thus, scan programmer 11 indexes scan switch 12 to connect an individual one of the transducer D. C. signal lines 14, each monitoring a single controlled variable, in circuit via line 8 through the conventional analog-digital converter 1.5', and thence through line 9 with computer ld. Simultaneously, scan programmer 11 connects computer le in circuit with the individual computation memory and associated facilities thereof reserved to the specific individual control loop being sampled, and also connects the specific valve positioning device 19 of valve v2d regulative of the condition upon which control is based in operative circuit through the valve drive logic block 17. Gate frequency generator 2l is the valve signal power source for the valve drive logic block i7. The legends adjacent the information dow lines from scan switch 12 to A-D converter 15, thence to computer le and finally to valve drive logic block 17 denote the nature of information supplied in sequence from left to right during jthe1 control of each point as hereinafter described in de- Control for all vof the points in the embodiment of this invention described in detail is in accordance with the conventional two-function dynamic control equation, differentiated, however, to its velocity form.

The control equation is:

V--valve position,

F=value of controlled variable, F0=set point of controlled variable, K :proportional control constant, and T=reset control constant.

Taking the first derivative of this equation, the

valve driving velocity =v :dV/dt :Kua-F) Jagen-'Fi A numerical form of this equation suited to computationalioperations is, then:

At=Sample period, i.e., the time between two successive Vsamples of the same point, n denotes present sample Vand 'rz- 1 the last previous sample.

the basis of the rate of control response which can beV expected for the loop characteristics involved. It is convenient to choose as the Time Unit :the elapsed time, i.e., sampling period, between successive samplings of the same point in the group having the highest sampling frequency, which, in this instance, is zone A, Vand this has been hereinafter done in the description. A tabulation of zone sampling times on this basis is as follows:

D Moreover, comparative performance tests indicate that they may be expressed-as significant bits times the appropriate power of 2 with adequate resolution.

The computation time of computer 16 is determinative of the feasible operating time rate for the system, and a practical period for system clock was chosen on this'basis to be 6.66 millisecs. Accordingly, a MinorV Scan Cycle (hereinafter abbreviated as MSC) is `2. xV

clock period. A zone A point is measured sequentially during a given phase of every MSC, whereas points of all other zones are interspersed in systematic relationship vand measured sequentially during the remaining phase of the MSC. Accordingly, from start-up at time zero, the schedule of point measurement for each of the six zones is as follows:

- Table 2 A zone A point is measured every 1 MSC.

AV zone B point is measured every 2 MSC starting on MSC No. l.

AV zone C` point is measured every 4 MSC starting on Y MSC No.0.

A zone D point is measured every 16 MSC starting on MSC No.2..

A zone E point is measured every 64 MSC starting on MSC No. 6.

A zone F point is measured every 2.56 MSC starting on MSC No. 10.

For ease of visualization, this can be reduced to a table i wherein the MSC is identified both by decimal and binary a minimum of abouteight samplings per loop time constant are necessary in order to achieve the same standard of control performance with `sequential sampling as with continuous control by use of a conventional proportional plus reset analog controller. In fact, at the eight samplings/loop time constant rate, the quality of control obtained according to this invention is, for practical purposes, indistinguishable from that of conventional continuous control. VArswitching rate of 150 points/sec. was adequate for the-purposes and,` with the Y data hereinbeforerresolved, the computational terms can be settled upon, Y Y

A typical range of numerical values for the computational terms for the system of 2010 points selected as example is as follows:

F0=0 to 1023 (normalized full-scale range of setpoint adjustment) l F==0 to 1023 (normalized full-scale range of measured variable), Y

K=0.2 to 200,

At: 1.25; 2.5; 5.0; 20.0; 80.0; 320 seconds, and

T=0.6 to 3000 seconds.

The ranges of constants K1 and K2 are preselected to be the maximum values which obtain for the widest of the case combinations which can be anticipated from the parameters detailed. The tolerance of setting the constants K1 and K2 is, typically, :5% of nominal, so that designations for each phase of the specific clock period and the-individual scanned points are identified by their zone letters with a numerical subscript for each speciic one ofr the 200 controlled points, up to the capacity ofk the table set forth.

Table 3 Clock MSC No. MSC No. MSO Scanned Plelod (dec.) (binary) Phase Point o. Y l f 0 0 00000000 a A1 1 0 b C1 2 1 p 00000001 a Y Az 3 1 b B1 4 2, 00000010 a A3 5 2 b D1 6 3 00000011 a A4 7 3 T b Bz 8 4 00000100 a. A A5 9 4 C2 p 10 5 00000101 a, Ar 1l 5 b B3 12 6 f 00000110 2. A7 13 6 b E1 14 Y 7 00000111 a Aa 15 7 b Y B4 10 8 00001000 a Au 17 8 b C5 18 9 00001001 a A10 19 9 f b B5 20 10 00001010 a A11 is 8 4 36 18 00010010 a A1B ,37 18 b Dz Resorting to a binary number system as the code for information handling, the identiiication of points for the eifectuation of proper sequencing requires as essential basis only -thev underscored portion of the binary'MSC No. equivalent. Y Y

Referring to FIG. 2the `scan programmer comprises an S-bit binary master counter 25 which has a capacity` of 28, i.e., 256, equal tothe ratio of the maXimumTime Units/sample case, i.e., Zone F, to the minimum Time Units/sample case, ie., Zone A, and a point-binary counter for each zones, e.g.,' 26 for zonesV A, 27 for zone B, and so forth (the others being omittedY from the showing) which are each adapted to reset atY a vnumber equal to the number of points included in the particular zone involved. System clock 10 trips a scale-of-two counter 28 by connection through line 29, and' counter 2S steps tion, phase a of counter being devoted to the scanning of A Zone points whereas phase b is devoted to the scanning of the points of all of the remaining zones in accordance with the schedule hereinbefore set forth. floreover, the circuit arrangement is such that read-out of zone A point numbers occurs in phase u, whereas zone A counter (i.e., counter 26) advance occurs in phase b. TRead-out of all other zone point numbers occurs in phase b, this being achieved through conductor 30 running to zone A counter 2.6, and common conductor 30C branched from 30 to the gates 40, hereinafter described, of the remaining zone counters in parallel.

Master counter 25 comprises a multiplicity ot bistable switching devices 33, 33a, etc., in this case cascaded binary counters (not detailed as to circuitry in the drawings) which are effectively 20, 21, etc., respectively. A multiplicity of zone selection gates 34, only one ot which is detailed, are provided, so that connection is sequentially made with all of the zone counters after zone A in accordance with the binary code drawn in adjacent the lines 35i-39, inclusive [applicable to conditions immediately following start-up, as set out in Table 3] running to the individual zones denoted. These lines each run to another ANB gate, e.g., fr0 (Zone B) for each zone to which 30e also runs, thereby establishing the identity or each specific zone as switching proceeds. The output ot each gate is then led through a line il to a point selection gate block, which, in the case of zone B, is denoted schematically at All of these blocks are similar in construction, in that they vary only in the number ot individual AND gates in each, two of the latter being required per bit. These point selection AND gates are detailed in part only for the zone A block A conrnon input to all of gates is the combined zone and phase identification signal introduced via line Lid, corresponding to line di., or the equivalent, for all ot the succeeding zones, while the other input is from the individual binary counters, each combination of which is reserved uA Aqueiy to a given control loop will in the Zone via lines e, 136', 4t2, etc. The point select counters are each provided with reset connections, e.g., fi-7 for counter 26 and for counter 27, which restore them to their initial states after stepping has proceeded through the ull repertory of points for each specific zone. Finally, there is provided a zone selection connection, such as :T0 for zone A and 51 for zone B, which connect directly to the block address selection register 55 or" the computer (refer FIG. 3).

All point number outputs are consolidated by transmission through an assemblage of 0R gates 52, each o which has as inputs the corresponding counter position points 20 to 2G, respectively, for each of the six zones A-l?, inclusive (detailed only for the 26 position of zone A, FIG. 2). ri`he outputs of paired @l gates corresponding to each bit are taken ott through two-conductor lines denoted at 53, also connecting directly with block address selection register 55 (F16. 3l. Since the same point identification information is required for actuation of conventional design scan switch 12, this is conveniently supplied via branch lines 50a and S351 connecting (not detailed) with the scan switch.

The computation required according to this invention can be accomplished by a variety of commercially available computers; however, the computer detailed schematically in FlG. 3 is especially preferred. Control connection lines are indicated by cross hatching, whereas channels utilized for information transmission solely are indicated by smooth lines,

This computer is controlled via line 61 through a control unit 60 in accordance with a wired program storage 61, which control unit is provided with five control output lines, of which 62 is an interlock signal line connecting with scan programmer 11, 63 is a valve reset signal line running to valve drive logic block 17, 64 is a read-in signal line connecting with A-D converter 15, and 65 is a computation directing linerunning to the computer arithmetic unit, denoted at 66. Finally, there is control line 07 connecting with block address selection register 55 and, by branch control line 6Stherefrom, with word select unit 6g.

The main memory 72 of the computer receiving the information from block address selection register 55 is preferably provided with an auxiliary working memory 73 co-operating with word select unit 69. Such a design insures a minimum-access-time source for the constants employed in the computation, as Well as a temporary storage with minimum-access-time for intermediate cornputation operations. Conveniently, the point number supply data from scan programmer 11 is routed via block address selection register 5S to control line 74 running to valve drive logic block 17.

The function of Computer 16 is to perform a computation for each control loop in turn which, sequentially, consists of the following general steps:

(a) Receiving a binary number corresponding to the numerical value of the measured variable,

(b) Receiving a binary number identifying the control loop to be computed.

(c) Solving the dynamic control equation, using the measured variable from step a and the appropriate stored constants corresponding to the loop identified in step I).

(d) Selecting the appropriate valve velocity corresponding to the equation solution ol step c, and

(e) Furnishing an operating signal to the control valve corresponding to the loop under surveillance.

Control of the system of the detailed example was found to be practicable by the computer selection or one of seven predetermined velocity vpattern corrective actions for any given one of Zones A-F. However, in the interests of simplicity or" information handling, the identication of the computer choice is preferably effected in accordance with a velocity index, vz, where v=t=f(v), and v=the computed valve velocity. The relationship of the quantities involved is tabulated as follows, with v reported in both decimal and binary notations, together with the number of initial zeroes occurring for each binary v category:

From the foregoing, it is seen that, while calculation of v requires 10 bits ot information, v* can be uniquely related to the number of initial zeroes of each entry of the table. This number can be designated by the use of only 3 bits of information, to which, however, a designation of sign must be added. The internal section of the arithmetic unit 66 reserved for vi: selection is indicated at 77, from which run the 1four velocity index advice lines 73 connecting with valve drive logic block 17. Immediately ahead of v* selector 77 in the calculation sequence is the accumulator, indicated schematically at 79. It is preferred to determine the velocity index by static gating of the tlip-llop circuits of accumulator 79, because time savings are thereby achieved, but direct counting can be used if desired.

It is convenient to utilize a .l0-bit binary computer; however, this is diilicult to achieve by conventional data handling techniques due to the required range of the constants K1 and K2. One way of overcoming this diiculty is to store K1 and K2 as 10-bit words consisting, howi ever, of significant' bits pens thatKl and K2 are always positive and can be Y handled in reliance on this fact; however, other constants,

such as the K3 hereinafter described, can be either positive or negative, so that a tenth bit should, as a general matter, be reserved for sign designation. The substitute Vprecision in a 10-bit word, minimizes multiplication time,

and permits the use of a lS-bit accumulator. In order to further maximize computer speed, it is preferred that the shift operation be performed by a shift-register type operation'in accumulator 79, employing flip-flops instead of'a recirculating type register. y

For the typical system described, a capacity in memory 72equal to 800 Words for constant and previous result storage proved entirely adequate;`however, it will be un- -derstood that added memory capacity is required for any additional optional computation as hereinafter described. Turning now to the valve velocity drive pattern for the specilic system detailed, it was determined from process requirements that the following seventeen actual (average), as distinguished from normalized, valve velocities were adequate, these velocities being reported in terms of incremental steps/Time Unit, Where 'an incremental step,=0.l% full valve traveli20%, and the Time Unit is as hereinbefore defined.

` The valve drive logic apparatus denoted generally at 17, FIG..1, is detailed in FIGS. 4 and 6, the complete circuitryfor only aV single valve being shown. This effectuates the selection ofthe appropriate valve driving velocity and utilizes a velocity selection powered circuit, e.g., the diode matrix indicated generally at 02. A Isection 82a of the matrix is wired for specificity of the in- Y dividual speeds for each of the given Zone A-F, whereas the other section, 82h, is wired for specificity of computed velocity index for each control loop designated in v advance by decoding matrix S5 hereinafter described, so

that the ,output from OR gate 83 transmitted through line 84 is a unique valve drive velocity signal for a given valve 20, FIG. 1. These valves can, of course, vary Widely in design, depending upon process requirements, but a typical construction is explosion prooi (together will all auxiliaries), S lb. thrust, yl stroke, 2 sec. full stroke time (maximum) and having a resolution 0.1% full stroke. l. l

l The signals for valve selection need be suppliedV only at gatingr`(i.e., signal) power level, reserving motive` power levels yto the valve drive motors.V The velocity' driveV pattern` hereinbefore set forth (Table is in conformity with the binary geometrical progression, consistent with the sampling rates (Tables 1-3) and velocity indices" (Table 4) previously described, and a permissible variation within 110% from exact values can be tolerated. f v

q In the interests of economy and controlY precision, it is preferred to use identical pulse motors for valve driving, as hereinafter described, under which circumstances a Vtotal of seventeen distinct pulse frequencies (correspondplus a 4bitexponent. Itlha'pa maximum frequency of S12/1.25, or 410-c.p.s.

, quency is supplied as Va sinusoidal input from a con-V ing tothe seventeen distinct valve velocities tabulated) are required to.be delivered selectively to the velocity selection matrices S2, it being understood, however, that a total of only six pulse frequencies need be suppliedto any singlematrix. This is readily achieved by a frequency dividing technique. Thus, the maximum valve drive velocity of Table 5 is 5121 and, for the basic system Time'Unit of 1.25 seconds detailed, there Vis calculated In practice, a standard frequency of 400 c.p.s. is entirely adequate from the standpoint of precision.

Valve selection power is generated from a central apparatus detailed in FIG. 6. The basic 400 c.p.s. freventional source through line 102 and squared or sharpened, if necessary, by ampliiier 103.

1 Since a 400 c.p.s. motor power drive is employed as hereinafter described, the gating required from matrix 82 must be continuously on for the 512 maximum Y speed valve drive, and this is supplied by a direct current signaly through line 104, the obtained frequency being indicated by the legend The other frequencies are obtained by routing the basic frequency through a sixteen-bit binary counter indicated inY part by the generalreference numeral 105. They output delivered from the first Vbinary counter stage of 105 is that supplied through line 105 and is agate signal insuring avalve driving velocity of precisely 25,6 steps/Time Unit, i.e., f/2. Each stage after the rst is provided with an AND gate 107 withV inputs common Vto all preceding gates 107, providing a constant on time at a frequency succussively halved in each successive stage of counter 105 in order from left to right. Consequently, line 109 delivers a gating signal of f/4 (or 128 steps/Time Unit), line 110 a signal of f/8, line 111 a signal of f/ 16, etc., through to the smallest velocity value of 1/256, corresponding to f/ 131, 072. As hereinbefore mentioned, only six of ythe total of seventeen gating velocities available are required for any given one of the six zones AF, and this selection is effected by suitably wiring in the lines 106, and 109, 110, 111, etc., designated collectively 'as velocity gate signal leads in FIG. 4, connecting 'into matrix section 82a foreach specific one of the six zones. Zero valve gating velocity is provided by wiring matrix section 82h so that no output is delivered through OR gate 83 and line 84 when bistableswitchingdevices 8S collectively stand in their 0-0-0 state, corresponding to a zero magnitude velocity index signal input.

Loop identifcation is achieved by use of a valve selection network, such as the decoding matrix indicated schematically at 85, the input to which are unique loop numbers (8 bits of information) supplied through lines 74 running from block address selection register 55 (FIG. 3) as hereinbefore described. Output lines for individual control valves such as v1, v2, v3, etc., are shown; however, the circuit for only a single one, vn, is detailed in FIG. 4.as 'regards gating. This gating is accomplished by the use of four AND gates 86, to individual ones of which are connected the four velocity index output lines 7S. The output vn line connects to one side of all of the gates'ry via line 87, and the outputs of the three gates reserved to numerical designation of v*go to individual bistable switching devices 8S which complete the conection to matrix section 82h.

The output of the velocity index sign designation gate 66 geesto bistable switchingdevice 89, individual output phases of which connect through lines 90 and 91 to single sides of individual AND gates 92 and 93, respectively. The remaining connections to these gates are from OR gate 83 through line S4. Thus, the outputs of gates 92and 93, delivered via Vlines 100 and 101, respectively,y are gating, directionally distinctive,Y motor drive signals which are, typically, clockwise (CW) for 92 and counter-clockwise (CCW) for 93. Valve reset is accomplished by providing AND gate 9.4, one input line 9S of which is connected to the outputs v1, v2, v3 vl1 individually, and the other input of which is control line 63 from the computer (FIG. 3). The output of gate 94 is passed via line 96 to the zero inputs of all the switching devices 8S and il?.

A preferred valve drive mechanism (corresponding to 19, FIG. l) is detailed in FIG. 5, this comprising a reversible pulse type synchronous motor 115 for each valved point, which has a clockwise rotation winding lead 11o and a counter-clockwise rotation winding lead M7. These each complete circuits to the 400 c.p.s. motor power source 118 through magnetic amplilier windings 119 and 120, respectively. The magnetic ampliliers are each provided with a square hysteresis loop core 121 and l22, and with grounded D.C. bias windings 123 and 124, the design being such that, without a D.C. bias, the applied power frequency just traverses the hysteresis loop of the cores, so that the cores present a high motor power circuit impedance which is essentially an open circuit. On the other hand, when a unidirectional gating signal is transmitted through either one of the leads 100 or lill, the corresponding core is biased beyond saturation for the duration of the gate period. ln this condition the core presents a very low saturated impedance to power source 118, and motor lllS is driven a finite number of steps corresponding exactly to the frequency of the gating signal applied.

Thus, referring to FIG. 7, at the maximum motor drive speed of 512 steps/Time Unit, corresponding to frequency f of FIG. 6, a D.C. biasing signal 13@ applies full 400 c.p.s. frequency 131 driving power to drive motor 115. The gate signal 132 from the first stage of counter 105, supplied through line 106, permits motor drive to occur only during alternate cycles of power source 11S, or at a frequency f/Z, corresponding to 133. Similarly, a gate signal 134 of frequently #4, such as supplied via line 169, constrains motor drive to only every fourth cycle of power source ll, corresponding to 135. lt will be understood that, while the sampling of any individual point is of a duration of only about 6.66 millisecs, or less, velocity selection matrix 82 remains set, responsive to the last determined value of velocity index, vi", supplied it, until just before the next-following sampling occurs, when it is reset to zero as hereinafter described immediately preparatory to adjustment to a new control setting. Thus, the motor 115 is driven at a constant stepping rate (i.e., constant average velocity) in the interim between successive samplings.

Certain conventional auxiliary equipment is desirable in a control apparatus such as that hereinbefore described, and this can be readily combined with the system. One of the auxiliaries is a visual alarm, which can operate directly from the arithmetic unit 66 (FIG. 3) of computer 16 (FIG. l) via line 135. A desirable indication is whether a measured variable is outside of preset tolerance limits, together with identification of the specific variable. Typically, such an alarm signals if the absolute value of the equation term (FO-JT) exceeds the preselected low or high tolerance limits for the conditions where (FV-F) is, respectively, greater than or less than zero, information which is supplied by the computer. There is required computer storage of two or more words in the memory, i.e., Lm, the low tolerance limit, and Lh, the high tolerance limit, and also the addition of a comparison operation, all of which is effected conventionally. The alarm can be used to actuate an annunciator board, or similar device, to provide a visual signal of abnormal operation.

It is preferred that there be provision for over-richng manual operation of all valves, as indicated generally by arrow 1.37, FIG. l, to facilitate start-up, enable full manual operation in an emergency and for limited manual operation as an aid to maintenance, Desirably, manual over-ride equipment should include a single master transfer switch which removes computer control from all valves, while retaining every valve at its last control position subject to manual operation. Manual control can additionally be extended to sub-groups of valves, such as individual ones of 4 groups of 50 valves each in the example detailed. These sub-groups can have individual manual-automatic control stations enabling disconnection of any one or all of the 5() valves from computer control as hereinbefore described for the master transter switch, and manual operation of any valve by push button at maximum velocity in either direction, via circuitry independent of all normally used power switching devices, gating circuits and all other equipment exclusive of the primary power source. Additionally, provision for manual operation at an inching velocity equal to, e.g., l/256 of maximum velocity, using a minimum of the regular switching devices, gating and other circuit facilities is advantageous.

lt is moreover desirable to provide valve position indicators, such as individual linear dilerential transformers or variable resistors on each valve connected to a centrally-located measuring circuit, adapted to indicate visually the position in terms of percent full travel of a given valve to a precision or" about 15%. This latter indication can be beneficially combined with simultaneous indication of mode of operation, i.e., whether fully automatic, full manual, or partial automatic, with concomitant signalling of which block or individual valve is currently under manual operation.

Finally, it is usually desirable, for maintenance and ch cking convenience, to provide manual means for single-point stepping of scan programmer l1, selection of any one point and initiating a single loop computation. Similar features include facilities for parity-bit checking in computer lo and an automatic, or manually initiated marginal test procedure for preventive maintenance.

rEhe operation of individual apparatus components has been largely described in conjunction with the apparatus description, so that the following explanation of operation is directed to the system as a whole.

The system timing is provided by system clock lll, which actuates scan programmer 1l as hercinbefore described to cause scan switch 12 to step through the full repertory of control loops in sequence and thus connect each transducer line ld in individual electrical circuit via line 8 with A-D converter l5, and thence via line 9 with computer lo.

Scan programmer ll provides individual point identifrcation and time allocation simultaneously for the entire apparatus by information inputs to scan switch 12, computer 16, and valve drive logic block 17. The Minor Scan Cycle (MSC) hereinbefore dened is a complete cyclic operation of scale-of-two counter 2S and, from reference to FlG. 2, it is seen that the a phase output drives 8-bit (256) master counter Z5 so that gates 34 on the output sides of the counter ilip-llops set up the individual Zone Selection codes corresponding to the several zones B through F denoted. The coded zone selection outputs through lines 355-39, inclusive, each drive an individual Point Select Counter, eg., counter Z7 for zone B, and also furnish a continuous gating signal for the duration of the MSC. This gating signal is ANDed with a similar signal from the b phase of counter 23 in gates such as 4G, and the result is ANDed with the output of the gates 44 (detailed for zone A only) associated with the Point Select Counters, such as 27. This furnishes a coded point number of the proper zone at the proper time made available at OR gates 52.

The operation with respect to zone A is in all respects similar to that of zones B-F, except that the Point Select Counter 26 is driven from the b phase output of counter 2S and the gating signal is furnished from the a phase.

The selected coded point numbers from each zone are consolidated at OR gates 5?., thereby furnishing a lines 53. In addition, the signal transmitted through line 4S, and line 41 and equivalent lines for succeeding zones, denotes (via lines 50, 51 andv equivalents) the specific zone to which a point number applies. Accordingly, the complete identification of a control loop consists of a zone identiiication, i.e., one of six lines and a coded point Within the zone.

Transmission of the measured variable F of the control equation is, in analog form, through line 8 to conventional ADconverter 15, and, thereafter, in digital form through line 9 to computer 16.

Operation of computer 16 can be accomplished in a manner enhancing overall system speed by overlapping the computer function to a high degree with the measuring function. At the outset of the computation cycle, the loop identification number is available from scan programmer 11, as is also the digitized measured variable, from A-D converter 15. A preferred general sequence of computation utilizing the apparatus of FIG. 3 then consists of the following, it being understood that practical simultaneity is obtained for some of the several steps:

. (l) reading the measured variable (F) through line 9 intoaccumulator 79 of arithmetic unit 66,

(2) reading the loop number identification via lines 50 and 53 into computer block address selection register 55,

(3) generating the interlock signal transmitted through line 62 to scan programmer 11, allowing selection of the next loop for digitizing,

(4) reading the necessary constants and the result o the previous computation, i.e., F0, K1, K2, (FF)n 1, out of main memory 72 into auxiliary memory 73,

(5) performing the necessary computations for v, within arithmetic unit 66, Y

(6) determining the velocity indexv,

(7) reading vi via lines 78 to the valve actuation subsystem of FIGS. 4, 6 and 7,

(8) reading a new value of (F0-F)n 1 into main memory 72, and

. (9) resetting the entire computer apparatus to its original state preparatory to repetition of the computation cycle. l

Immediately after step 3 of the computer operation, scan switchV 12 is caused to index to the next scheduled point by signal transmitted via control lines 50a and 53a. Thus, there is a reading and storage of inputs early in the cycle, which makes available a greater share of cycle time for the reading and digitizing of the next-following variable.

The operation of the several valves as a result of the computation described has been hereinbefore detailed as part of the apparatus description.

In summary, the operation of this invention Vconsists sequentially of (l) a discrete sampling of measured process data, (2) multiplexed computation of dynamic control functions and (3) discrete velocity adjustment of final control. The selection of one of the multiplicity of available predetermined velocity pattern corrective actions is, as will be evident from inspection of Tables 4 and 5, predicated on obtaining a high resolution when the variable under control is in the region near the control point, andy rapid corrective action when it is some distance from the control point.

The specific system hereinbefore described in detail as one embodiment of this invention is one adequately controlled by a 2function computation; however, the invention is not so limited. Thus, it is sometimes desirable to include additional functions for some or all of the loops, and the following are typical of controls of an increased complexity.

The first is one utilizing a cascade control function for the'control of a loop which is actually a combination of two individual loops, wherein the set point of the secondary loop is adusted in accordance with the computed output of the master loop. The overall computation necessary in this instance can be expressed as:

Fo s+1j=FoslVm where; Y F0=set point of secondary loop, s--present value, s.|-l=next value, and vm=computed velocity of master loop.

For cascade control, one additional word of'storage is required, namely, the address of Fos, -an additional add Operation, i.e., (Fos-l-v), is necessary, and there must be an additional memory Write operation, FOS +1. The additional operations can be achieved as follows in conjunction with the operation hereinbefore described:

(l) compute in the normal fashion and retain the results in accumulator 79,

(2) store the address of the block containing FOS in a reserved portion of auxiliary memory 73,

(3) read the remaining contents (i.e., exclusive of data of step (2) of auxiliary ymemory V73 back to main memory 72,

(4) read the new block address to block address selection register 55,

(5) read the new block containing Fos to auxiliary memory 73,

(6) perform the computation and retain the results in accumulator '79,

(7) read F0, into auxiliary memory 73, and

(8) read the entire block from auxiliary memory '.73 back into main memory 72.

Another mode of cont-rol involves inclusion of a rate 'rfunet-ion which introduces a factor of proportionality to the rate of change of the measured variable, whereupon the rbasic contro-l function :becomes:

where TD=the rate constant, `and all other terms are as hereinbefore defined. Then, on differentiation,

iz denotes .present value and 11-1 denotes the last previous value. Inthe foregoing, TD typically varies from about Ovto about 1200 sec., the ranges of the other variables i3 utilization of a complete A.C. digitizing system. Also, it is practicable to utilize analog computation instead of digital computation for elfectuation of the computation of this invention, although this is usual-1y less preferred.

especially where a great number of control loops of Widely different time constants are involved. Moreover, while the example apparatus utilizes a single corn-mon control equation applicable to all loops, it is entirely practicable to program the computer to process different equations for different loops. In addition, while the predetermined velocity pattern corrective actions are constant velocities in the case of the example, obviously, patterns incorporating continuously vary-ing velocities, or velocities constant and varying in staged timing, are equally feasible. Finally, .while valves have been described in the example as the direct control etlecutation means, these can be linear or non-linear resistors, variable transformers, or a .great variety of equivalent control agencies.

This invention is advantageous from the standpoint of reduced capital investment in etlecting process control and, additionally, utilizes a system which is compatible with future extended use of digital computer supervisory or multi-variable control, iwhile being flexible enough to permit substitution of new dynamic control functions for those in current use as such new functions demonstrate their superiority.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that this invention can be .modiiied in numerous respects within the skill of the art without departure from its essential spirit, and it is therefore intended to be limited only Within the scope ofthe following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A control apparatus comprising, in combination, a transducer `generating a signal which is a function of a condition .upon which control is to be based, means sampling repetitively said signal, computer means receiving as an input said signal generated by said transducer adapted -to compute a corrective action based on said signal, means providing a plurality of predetermined velocity pattern corrective actions proportioned to cause said condition to approach a predetermined value within the entire range of variation for said condition during the time interval existing between successive sampling operations, means choosing one of said plurality of predetermined velocity pattern corrective actions matching the value of said corrective action determined by said computer, and means effecting a direct alteration in said condition responsive to the chosen one of said plurality of predetermined velocity pattern corrective actions.

2. An electrical control apparatus comprising, in com bination, a transducer generating a signal which is a function of a condition upon which control is to be based, a scan switch sampling repetitively said signal, a computer receiving as an input said sig-nal generated by said transducer adapted to compute a corrective action ibased on said signal, a powered circuit providing a plurality of predetermined velocity pattern corrective actions proporifi tioned to cause said condition to approach a predetermined value within the entire range of variation for said condition during the time interval existing between successive `samp-ling operations, means including a decoding network and a gating system responsive to said decoding network for choosing one of said plurality of predetermined velocity pattern corrective actions matching the value of said corrective action determined by said computer, and powered means effecting direct alteration in said condition responsive to the chosen one of said plurality of predetermined velocity pattern corrective actions.

3. An electrical control apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said plurality of predetermined velocity pattern corrective actions consist of patterns which have substantially constant average velocities.

4. An electrical control apparatus comprising, in cornbination, a transducer generating a signal which is a function of a condition upon ywhich control is to be based, a .scan switch sampling repetitively sai-d signal, a computer receiving as input said signal generated by said transducer adapted to compute a corrective action based on said signal, a powered lcir-cuit providing a plurality of predetermined substantially constant average velocity pattern corrective actions proportioned to cause said condition to approach a predetermined value Within the entire range of variation for said condition during the time interval existing between successive sampling operations, means including a decoding network and a gating system lresponsive to .said decoding network for choosing one of said plurality of predetermined substantially constant average velocity pattern corrective actions matching the value of said corrective action deter- `mined .by said computer, and means comprising an electric pulse motor for eiecting direct alternation in said condition responsive to the chosen one of said plural-ity of predetermined substantially constant average velocity pattern corrective acti-ons.

5. An electrical control apparatus `according to claim Ai wherein frequency dividing means are employed to energize said powered circuit and thereby provide said plurality of substantially constant average velocity pattern corrective actions.

6. An electrical control apparatus according -to claim 4 wherein said powered circuit is energized at signal power ievel and said electric pulse motor is energized at motive power level.

Farrar, Automatic Data Handling, The Oil and Gas Journal, February 1957 (pp. 1304132).

MALCOLM A. MGlRRlSON, Primary Examiner.

WALTER W. BUR-NS, JR., Examiner. 

1. A CONTROL APPARATUS COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, A TRANSDUCER GENERATING A SIGNAL WHICH IS A FUNCTION OF A CONDITION UPON WHICH CONTROL IS TO BE BASED, MEANS SAMPLING REPETITIVELY SAID SIGNAL, COMPUTER MEANS RECEIVING AS AN INPUT SAID SIGNAL GENERATED BY SAID TRANSDUCER ADAPTED TO COMPUTE A CORRECTIVE ACTION BASED ON SAID SIGNAL, MEANS PROVIDING A PLURALITY OF PREDETERMINEC VELOCITY PATTERN CORRECTIVE ACTIONS PROPORTIONED TO CAUSE SAID CONDITION TO APPRAOCH A PREDETERMINED VALUE WITHIN THE ENTIRE RANGE OF VARIATION FOR SAID CONDITION DURING THE TIME INTERVAL EXISTING BETWEEN SUCCESSIVE SAMPLING 